A Kano state high court has granted an exparte motion to begin an Order of Mandamus that will compel the Kano State Attorney General to file murder charges against the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Alhassan Ado Doguwa. Doguwa was previously arrested and charged for allegedly masterminding the killing and burning of properties in Tudunwada LGA during the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections. However, he was granted bail by a state high court, which ruled that the magistrates’ court that ordered Doguwa’s remand lacked jurisdiction to entertain the culpable homicide charge.
Following his release, civil society organizations in the state have claimed that the state government is unwilling to file charges against Doguwa due to his membership in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In response to these concerns, retired Chief Magistrate Muntari Garba Dandago sought permission from the state high court to apply for an order of mandamus to compel Kano State Attorney General Musa Abdullahi Lawan to immediately file a charge against Doguwa and other alleged conspirators.
Justice Maryam Sabo granted the leave, ordering the Attorney General to exercise his power under section 211 of the Nigerian Constitution to file a charge against Doguwa and his conspirators for criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, mischief, incitement of public disturbance, and possession of firearms before a court of competent jurisdiction. The case has been adjourned to May 12, 2023, for the hearing of the motion on notice.
